Tips for More Effective Studying
Nihongo Online School > Tips for More Effective Studying
Introduction to Basic Japanese Grammar to Kickstart Your Learning Journey
2026/06/21
Learning basic Japanese grammar feels intimidating but several rules are actually simpler than English: no articles, no gender, no plurals. This introduction to Japanese grammar covers the essential building blocks, so you can start forming real sentences fast. Contents1 How to Start Learning Japanese Grammar2 Top Basic Japanese Grammar Rules Every Beginner Should Know2.1 1. […] […]
How Hard Is Japanese to Learn for an English Speaker?
2026/06/21
Japanese is widely ranked among the hardest languages for an English speaker to learn, but that reputation only tells half the story. Speaking Japanese is far easier than most people expect, while reading is the real climb. Here’s an honest breakdown of what’s genuinely hard, what’s surprisingly simple, and how long it takes. Contents1 Why […] […]
Japanese Wa vs Ga: Particles Explained
2026/06/20
The particles wa (は) vs ga (が) in Japanese confuse almost every learner. They both look like they mark the subject, but they do completely different jobs. This guide explains what wa and ga means in Japanese and exactly how to choose between them. Contents1 What Is the Wa Particle in Japanese?2 What Does the […] […]
Desu vs Masu in Japanese: Meaning and Differences
2026/06/20
です and ます are two of the very first things you meet when learning Japanese. The good news is that the desu vs masu difference is far simpler than it looks. This guide breaks down what each word means, how it works, and when to use it. Contents1 Desu vs Masu: Key Differences2 What Does […] […]
How to Learn Japanese as an Adult: Best Methods for Beginners
2026/06/20
Learning Japanese as an adult can feel intimidating. You’re busier than a child, and you’ve probably heard it ranks among the hardest languages out there. The good news for adult beginners: you start with real advantages, and with the right method you’ll progress faster than you expect. Contents1 Is It Possible to Learn Japanese as […] […]
Basic Kanji for Beginners: Chart & Tips for Foreign Students
2026/06/20
Kanji are the meaning-carrying characters at the core of written Japanese, used together with hiragana and katakana. The reassuring part of learning kanji for beginners is that just a few hundred characters already unlock real reading. This guide walks you through a clear plan, simple reading and writing rules, and a basic kanji chart to […] […]
The Apps That Helped Me Pass JLPT N5
2026/06/13
Contents1 The First Step: Preparing Your Digital Environment for the JLPT N51.1 Setting up the Japanese flick keyboard1.2 Duolingo for cementing the basics1.3 My method: Google Keep and physical notebooks1.4 The trap of passive reading2 Pocket Dictionaries: Your Best Daily Allies2.1 Takoboto: The offline lifesaver2.2 Yomiwa: Instant visual translation2.3 The hidden “Anki” in dictionaries2.4 Why […] […]
How Long Does It Take to Pass JLPT N5? Study Hours Guide
2026/06/12
JLPT N5 is the first level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. For many beginners, it is the first clear goal in their Japanese learning journey. However, many learners do not know how many hours they need before taking the test. The required time depends on learning experience, study consistency, and the quality of study. This […] […]
JLPT N5 Self Study Roadmap: How Beginners Can Pass N5 Step by Step
2026/05/31
Contents1 JLPT N5 Self Study Is Possible With a Clear Roadmap1.1 Understanding What JLPT N5 Measures1.2 Knowing the Realistic Study Time for N51.3 Following the Right Study Order2 Step 1: Building the Foundation With Kana, Vocabulary, and Grammar2.1 Learning Hiragana and Katakana with Basic Daily Vocabulary2.2 Understanding Simple Grammar Patterns3 Step 2: Strengthening N5 Skills […] […]
Learn Hiragana for Beginners: Chart, Reading Practice & Texts
2026/05/29
Before vocabulary, before grammar, before your first conversation, hiragana is where Japanese begins. This guide includes the full beginner hiragana chart and hiragana reading practice stories with audio to start practising right now. If you want to understand how hiragana fits into the broader Japanese writing system, we cover that in a separate guide. Contents1 […] […]
Learn the Japanese Romaji Alphabet: Chart & Beginner’s Guide
2026/05/29
The Japanese romaji alphabet is the first thing most learners encounter. This guide explains what romaji is and gives you a complete romaji chart with hiragana and katakana equivalents to use as a reference. Contents1 What Is Romaji? Is It a Japanese Alphabet?2 Kana vs Romaji: What’s the Difference?3 Can Japanese People Read and Understand […] […]
What Can You Do with JLPT N5?
2026/05/29
The JLPT N5 is the entry point of your Japanese learning journey. It corresponds to A1 on the CEFR scale, roughly kindergarten-level Japanese. Knowing what you can actually do with a JLPT N5 level, and what you can’t, saves you from both over-expecting and underestimating it. Contents1 Is the JLPT N5 an Official Diploma?2 Is […] […]
